High school students gathered at Federal City in Algiers recently for Military Service Academy Day to learn about the five U.S. service academies and the nomination process. Organized by the offices of U.S Sen. David Vitter, R-La.; U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson; and U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, the students learned about the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies.

To build an impressive resume, West Point Admissions Southwest Regional Commander Andrew Yang recommends students start in their ninth grade year and plan to take four English courses, four math courses and foreign language. Joining school clubs early on such as football and debate team is important, so that when the student becomes an upperclassman, they can hold a leadership position. Yang says it harder for a juniors and seniors to join a debate team or newspaper club and hold a leadership position.

New Orleans City Councilman James Gray says that the academies have been around for over 150 years, and the service academy day usually takes place annually in New Orleans. The goal for students is to get an appointment to one of the academies.

Gray said that although he is unhappy with the typically small turnout by students -- particularly African-Americans and other minorities -- it is a great opportunity and a life-changer for students and their families.

Gray said it is a great opportunity and a harder look should be taken into account to see why students do not take advantage of it.

Officials from Richmond's office said taht all appointments to the service academies are made by the president of the United States. For a student to be considered for an appointment, the student must have a nomination from a source that is authorized to nominate. There are two categories. The first is the congressional nomination, and the second is known as military-affiliated or service-connected.

Basic eligibility requirements include that a student must be between 17 and 23, a U.S. citizenship by graduation, a resident of Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, be nominated, unmarried, not pregnant, no legal obligation to support children, have a completed ACT or SAT-1, have an academy medical examination and meet physical requirements, and must be of strong moral character.

Vitter will host another Service Academy Day with Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, in September for students in the New Orleans area who were not able to attend Aug. 7. For more details, visit www.vitter.senate.gov.

To learn more about the service academy nomination process or to request an application, visit www.richmond.house.gov. Richmond has a frequently asked questions page about service academy nominations. For any other questions regarding the service academy, contact Jessica Simeon at 504.288.3377 or Jessica.Simeon@mail.house.gov.

Community events

Aurora West Civic Association celebrated Night out Against Crime Aug. 6 at Aurora Tennis and Swim Club, with neighborhood in mind. Neighbors feasted on hot dogs, barbecued pulled-pork burgers, potato salad, cole slaw, cheesy mashed potatoes, chips, cookie cake and cake, and beverages. Some enjoyed swimming. Neighbors laughed and socialized with one anothe,r but they were there to get out a specific message out “crime-free neighborhood.''

New Orleans City Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson was there, and spoke about the importance of neighbors communicating with each other. She said Aurora West Civic Association is a role model to other neighborhoods.

Judge Stephen Jupiter spoke briefly. Preston Favorite of Entergy Corp. was on hand to speak with neighbors. Fourth District Police Commander Brian Weiss shared some local statistics with the association.

Association President Bryon Cornelison said Night Out Against Crime has been celebrated in New Orleans in October in the past couple of years, but there was not much of a turn-out for Aurora West. He said that in October, it gets darker early, and children are in school and have activities such as soccer practice.

Aurora West Civic Association meets four times a year and the board meets every third Tuesday of the month. For more information, email marichoux7@att.net, an in the subject area, type "Aurora West." To join, send checks or money orders for $30 ($20 for senior citizens) to Audrey Richoux, Treasurer of Aurora West Civic Association, 2945 Danbury Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131.

KREWE OF NOMTOC

Students enjoyed fun, entertainment and resources at The Jugs Social Club, Inc/Krewe of NOMTOC and Algiers Charter School Association Back-To-School Fair and Supply Giveaway.

NOMTOC, in collaboration with ACSA, hosted a back-to-school fair Aug. 6. Members of NOMTOC and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity distributed free school supplies to students. Many volunteers lent a hand to make the fair a success.

Landry-Walker High School band, dance squad and cheerleaders treated everyone to a special performance. The Landry-Walker football team were among those in attendance.

Students and their families’ enjoyed free food, drinks and sno-balls. Families socialized as the DJ played music. Children danced with Elmo and SpongeBob Square Pants.